As Space Tourism Takes Off, Get Ready for Zero Gravity Sports

Reuters reports space tourism will be a $1 billion industry in 10 years as private space companies take people who can afford it to Earth orbit and back. Imagine a privately-owned space station in orbit that can house tourists for a week at a time. People can eat, sleep and work in a microgravity environment much like astronauts do on a regular basis.

What would tourists do for recreation? If you love sports, here are some ideas for zero gravity sports.

Paintball

Paintball wouldn't even need the paint to be encapsulated into a plastic shell. Liquids already stay in a round shape in microgravity without the help of containers. Instead of using a gun to propel the liquid projectiles, all you need to do is have a good puff of air from a tube.

Volleyball

Playing volleyball would take on new meaning. Instead of aiming for a "floor," the rules would have to be altered. Perhaps the first team to hit the ball against the opposing team's wall would get a point. The trajectory of the ball would also be less in doubt—an object in motion would stay in the same motion until acted upon by an outside force. Going for a kill would be a blast as players can jump as high as possible without being hindered.

Golf

Golf has already been played on the moon. On a space station, holes would have to be inside walls or compartments as opposed to on a flat putting surface. Perhaps disc golf would be more appropriate for outer space as throwing a Frisbee would be much easier in zero gravity environments.

Football

Throwing a forward pass has new meaning in microgravity football. The 100-yard field could be on multiple surfaces and not just a flat field with end zones. Kicking a field goal would have to be marked by spots on walls as a kick wouldn't come down to go through uprights like on Earth.

Baseball

Playing baseball in zero gravity would be a cinch for outfielders trying to catch fly balls. Someone can jump as high as possible to catch a ball that would travel in a straight line to its destination. A home run wouldn't be marked by a fence—a far wall would have to designate where the ball hits to be considered a home run. Trying to go around the bases would also be fun. Without gravity, players could push off a wall and float to first base by grabbing a handhold as opposed to stepping on a bag.

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